A Life Well Lived

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

 

My Gram and I in October 2022

With that twinkle in her eyes, my Gram would share her quick wit in the native Danish accent that we loved, and her smile would light up the room. You would find her most often in the kitchen, for that was her domain, where she could feed a hungry belly with grace, love, and generous helpings of food. In fact, people for miles around the town of Rivier de Chute knew that the Skaarup home on the hill was the place to get a tasty meal with great fellowship.

A mother who raised 10 children of her own, and for a time took care of her brother's 5 children, many children through the years found love in her generous heart and home. Gram never met a child she couldn't coax a grin out of!

She was a quilter who saw to it that every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild had a quilt lovingly made by her hands. Knitting and crocheting helped her pass the time in recent years and our homes were blessed with dishcloths and kitchen towels.

Christmas was her favorite...baking food until tables groaned, and our bellies did too. Halloween came in a close second when candy apples were passed out to every child who made the trek up the hill to see her.

Yes, this was my Gram...and words cannot even begin to fathom the loss our hearts are feeling as she passed yesterday from this earthly realm into the arms of Jesus. There are tears of joy for her because she is with the One she loved so much, but raw tears of loss course down my cheeks too, because Gram's loss in our lives is BIG. She was a huge presence in the life of everyone who knew her.

My heart is at peace knowing she is within the presence of Jesus, but the loss of her in my life, and all those who knew her is great. I'm thankful for the precious time I spent with her in October when I told her "I love you Gram" one more time, and I'll always remember her words back to me, "I love you too, dear".






Her legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Proverbs 31:28


45 comments

  1. I saw a post on FB, I think as a tribute to her but didn't have time to comment. I am so sorry for your loss. There are some relatives that leave a lasting impression on our lives and we are better people for knowing them. I am sure she is smiling down from heaven knowing she was well loved on earth and is now well loved in her heavenly home. It will be a bittersweet Christmas for you this year-missing her and knowing how much she loved Christmas. Prayers for peace in your heart....xo Diana

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    1. Thank you so much Diana, your kind words mean so much!

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  2. Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss. I did read about your visit with her in October, and re-read as well her miraculous deliverance from her house fire. She was a wonderful and godly woman who lived her life as ministry to her Lord. Yes, she is well and rejoicing in heaven now.

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    1. Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind words, they mean so much!

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  3. Oh Marilyn. I am so sorry. What a beautiful legacy she left for all who knew her! She’s is Jesus care now!

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  4. Dear Marilyn, I'm sorry for your loss. What a treasure it was to be loved by her and to know her so well. It is a comfort to know that she loved and was known of the Lord Jesus. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you Jennifer, I am blessed beyond measure to have had her as my grandmother. Her legacy lives on forever in my heart. Blessings to you sweet friend!

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  5. What precious memories and comfort in knowing she's with Christ! Praying for you and your family this holiday season. . .

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    1. Thank you so much for your precious words, they touched my heart!

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  6. She looks like a love. I know hearts are hurting. May God comfort her family with the sure knowledge that you will see her again.

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    1. She was a precious woman Vee, I'm eternally grateful she was my Gram. Thank you for your kind words!

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  7. Such a loving soul. It is never easy to lose such a presence in one’s life. Deepest sympathy!

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    1. Thank you so much Marie, your kind words touch my heart!

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  8. So sorry about the passing of your grandmother, May she rest in peace. We hope ypu can take comfort in your cherished memories. God Bless.
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn.

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    1. Thank you so much Joan, Marion and Marilyn, your kind words mean so much to me!

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  9. Hello Marylin, I always enjoyed when you shared about your Gram. The story about the fire will be with me forever. A true miracle story about our ever powerful God.
    Praying for you and your family.
    Yes, A Life Well Lived!!!
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. Thank you sweet Carla for your wonderful words, they touched my heart! Indeed, she had a life well lived!

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  10. Oh, what a blessing it was for all of you to see your Gram one last time this past October and to tell her how much you love her, Marilyn. I have to admit, when I saw photos of her with you, I couldn't help but think that this journey you made with your brother was God-ordained in the sense that her passing from this life was immanent. Yes, she is in a much better place, but our hearts always have a difficult time catching up when they've been broken.
    Prayers and blessings!

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    1. it was such a wonderful thing that my brother and I got to go visit my Gram and enjoy her before her passing. I am so very grateful that the Lord worked that out for us! I appreciate your kind words, they mean so very much!

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  11. I am so thankful you had that recent trip and were able to spend time with her. The loss of a believer gives us such mixed feelings, joy for them, sorrow for our own loss. Praying for you and your family.

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    1. Thank you Mari, I am so grateful we were able to go and be with her before she passed. It was such a precious time, and we know she is happy resting in the arms of Jesus! Blessings to you sweet friend!

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  12. I'm so sorry for your loss, Marilyn. She looks like the sweetest lady. Only eternity will reveal all she did for Jesus in this life and all the lives she touched. I am praying for you, dear friend.

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    1. Thank you so much Cheryl, she was such a precious godly influence on my life. I am blessed beyond measure. Thank you for your kind words and prayers, they mean so much!

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  13. Oh Marilyn, I am so sorry. I hear your heart. This is a hard season ...

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    1. Thank you Linda for your kind words, it was a hard time, yet the presence of the Lord was so sweet during the time we were there. I am grateful! Happy New Year to you!

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  14. Please accept my condolences. I feel blessed to have seen your photos of your trip to visit. Lynn

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    1. Thank you Lynn, I appreciate your kind words so very much!

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  15. so sorry to hear of your loss but heaven's gain. what a wonderful thing it is to know when our loved ones are truly at peace with the One who brings Peace. What a special lady she sounds like. Prayers of comfort to you.

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    1. Thank you Faith, your kind words mean so very much! It is truly a blessing to have had her as my Gram and to know she is with Jesus. I appreciate your prayers!

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  16. I'm sorry for your loss. Your Gram sounds like such a warm and loving person.

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    1. Thank you sweet friend, my Gram was a person loved by everyone. I miss her so much, but am thankful to know she is with Jesus now. Many blessings to you!

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  17. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grams. It is wonderful that you were able to see her and visit with her one last time in October! What a sweet sweet lady to be a part of your life.. and you to be a part of hers all the years of your growing up. Someone who has impacted our life so greatly is someone who will be sorely missed. She will be with you all the time... because of the wonderful memories you have of her and of being with her.. and she will be with you, looking over your shoulder, always. You are in my prayers, that HE will grant you some peace and loving memories in t his very sad time. Hugs.. Marilyn

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    1. Thank you for your kind words and prayers Marilyn, they mean so very much to me! I have felt the prayers that people prayed. My time in Canada at the funeral was very special, and I am so grateful for that. I continue to pray for you, and for healing from your fall! Love and hugs!

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  18. Love that sweet smile in the last photo. 'she is with the One she loved so much' , that's the best place to be when this life on earth is over. May God comfort all of you who are grieving your earthly loss. So good to know who she belonged to and where her hope was. As a granddaughter, you have a great legacy of a life well spent to follow.

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    1. I have such a precious legacy with grandmothers on both sides who loved the Lord so much, and they both had so much influence on my life. I am grateful for this! Thank you for your kind words and prayers, they mean so very much to me!

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  19. I am so sorry for your loss, Marilyn. My prayers are with you in this difficult time. Your grandmother sounds like a gem who was loved by everyone. She had a life well lived. I hope you find comfort in the memories of a sweet lady.

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    1. Thank you Jeanette, I appreciate your kind words so very much, she was a wonderful Gram. Our hearts are comforted knowing she is with the Lord. Many blessings to you!

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss.
    I am sure you will find comfort in all the lovely memories of your dear Gram.

    Saying a prayer for you at this sad time..

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you sweet Jan, your kind words and prayers mean so very much to me!

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  21. A lovely tribute to your dear Gram, Marilyn. So fortunate that you were able to visit her in October and share your love. She sounds like a lovely, caring soul and a true blessing to her family. Sending prayers that you find peace and comfort in the memories that you both shared. xx K

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    1. Thank you Karen, I appreciate your kind words and prayers so very much! The prayers have sustained me through the days, and I am so thankful! Many blessings to you dear friend!

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  22. These are beautiful words and such a heartwarming post about your Gram, Marilyn. I loved seeing all the pictures of her and reading about her quilting. I've always thought it was such a talent when one could sew quilts. The Proverbs verse at the end brought a tear to my eye. It is truly a special one. I am sending thoughts of comfort and love during this time of sorrow, dear Marilyn.

    ~Sheri

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    1. That Proverbs scripture is so very special to me too, Sheri! I am so thankful for the legacy she left for us! Many blessings to you dear friend, thank you for your wonderful visit and prayers!

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  23. "Her children rise up and call her blessed.
    Proverbs 31:28"

    💙

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    1. Yes, amen Sandi! I am so very thankful that I am one of her children! Blessings to you dear friend!

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